Church of the Week: Vineyard Community Church, Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati's Vineyard Community Church in Springdale began in 1983 with my friend Steve Sjogren as founding pastor. Both Steve and the church have been major encouragements and coaches to me (and others at Cobblestone) and a huge example and inspiration to us and many churches with their outward focus and motto, "Small Things Done With Great Love Will Change the World."

In 1999, the church moved into a new, 2,400-seat facility in Springdale, and has since grown to host thousands of worshipers every weekend.

The lovely Robin and I have worshiped here on dozens of occasions, and attended leadership conferences and concerts there. When our original church plant team was praying about starting Cobblestone, Steve met with us for three hours in his home to give godly counsel. The Vineyard staff have always been sacrificial and generous; they've taught small group leader trainings, answered questions, provided resources, etc. In addition to Steve, who has spoken twice at Cobblestone, Vineyard pastors Dave Workman, Randy Bohlender, and Alan Fuller have also been guest speakers. For four or five years, Steve generously met every few weeks with me and my co-pastor for coaching and encouragement. And our daughter Aubrey was married in their wedding chapel in 2008:

No other church has had nearly the impact on me and the church I serve as this church and its people.

Why "Desperate Pastor?"

I call this blog the “Desperate Pastor Blog” because I don’t know nothing about pastoring no churches. But that’s not the only reason. It’s also because I’m desperate for God. Desperate to make a difference. Desperate to find some sanity in my life and ministry. And because I am in desperate and constant need of help, prayer, counsel, grace, and forgiveness.